Erie County Community Foundation 2022 Annual Report

It’s no coincidence that Erie County Community Foundation’s logo features a star. Seated on the shores of Lake Erie, we are reminded daily that sailors have always looked to the stars for guidance and that dreamers have been inspired by the stars for centuries. The Foundation strives to serve as a North Star for the community by inspiring others to give, leading the way to a brighter future for all. This Annual Report features several Shining Stars who represent the best in Erie County. From staff at Nehemiah Partners who work to ensure each child is fed and nurtured in those hours after school, to those leading the way in building up the City of Vermilion, one can’t help but be inspired by the continued dedication to our communities. Our friends at the Huron Education Foundation ensure that bright futures are accessible to all students through their creative funding of field trips and teacher projects, along with their extensive scholarship program. Sparky and Cathy Weilnau shine brightly not only as Foundation donors, but through their incredible generosity community-wide. It is our hope that reading about these shining stars will further ignite your passion for Erie County. As we reflect on 2022, the Foundation continued to serve as a steady funding source for our nonprofits and local students by distributing over $2.6 million in grants and scholarships. Generous donors contributed over $1.7 million. With stock market challenges driving a negative return on investment of -13.5%, Foundation assets at year-end totaled $36 million. Looking to the horizon, the Foundation has ambitious plans, including addressing workforce shortages and broadening access to education in every form throughout the region. We have joined forces with The Randolph J. and Estelle M. Dorn Foundation and the Mylander Foundation to take a critical look at childcare availability in Erie County. We are also investigating utilizing scholarship and unrestricted funds to help even more students attain degrees and certifications critically needed in our present and future workforce. Working together with our board and community leadership, our donors, and our amazing nonprofit institutions, we are confident in a bright future for all, and we hope to continue serving as the North Star for Erie County for generations to come. Thank you for your continued support of Erie County Community Foundation. Keep dreaming, Elizabeth P. Maiden | Executive Director